Disgraced doctor and convicted rapist Morgan Fahey has been struck off the medical register and is unlikely to practise again.
The Medical Practitioners' Disciplinary Tribunal yesterday also ordered the 68-year-old former Christchurch deputy mayor to pay 75 per cent of the costs of his prosecution.
Fahey learned of the tribunal's decision
from his prison cell, where he is serving a six-year sentence for rape, sexual violation and 11 counts of sexual abuse involving 11 patients.
The tribunal described Fahey's behaviour as "reprehensible and dishonourable in the extreme."
Chairwoman Wendy Brandon said Fahey had disgraced himself and brought the integrity of the medical profession into disrepute.
Fahey's lawyer, Christopher Hodson, QC, said his client expected to be struck off but Fahey urged the tribunal not to impose costs because he had no money and the punishment would affect his family.
Fahey had instructed him to tell the tribunal he was "desperately sorry" for letting down his profession.
In prison, Fahey was reminded "practically every week" of his public disgrace and ignominy, said Mr Hodson.
Fahey wished his offending had been detected sooner.
"Had it come to light earlier, it would have been better for everybody," Mr Hodson said.
Counsel for the Medical Council's complaints assessment committee, Matthew McClelland, told the tribunal that Fahey's convictions had rocked public confidence in general practitioners.
The council was holding workshops aimed at restoring that confidence, but it would be a slow process, he said.
The disciplinary hearing was part of this rebuilding.
- NZPA
